Best Marathons in the USA

History

The marathon is a long-distance foot race with an official distance of 26 miles
385 yards that is usually run as a road race. The event is named after the
fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of
Marathon to Athens. The historical accuracy of this legend is in doubt,
contradicted by accounts given by Herodotus, in particular.

The marathon was one of the original modern Olympic events in 1896, though
the distance did not become standardized until 1921. More than 800 marathons
are contested throughout the world each year, with the vast majority of
competitors being recreational athletes. Larger marathons can have tens of
thousands of participants.